There really is no need to argue, parents just don’t understand

I remember a few years ago, what, who am I kidding, that was a lonnnnnng time ago. Uncle Toni, for those of you who can remember him, was the one in charge of the magazine, we had a brief exchange as always about music and at that time the current crop of artistes. I was a hardcore dancehall lover (I still am to this day; Govona is the artiste not to sleep on!) and I couldn’t understand the amount of scorn that was meted to my favourite artistes. The argument that the lyrics, song ideas and instrumentals were all recycled had me in my feelings! How dare he say my artistes are pirates!

Well imagine me humble when I did the research and I found out that almost every single song that I had grown up to and loving was either sampled or yes, stolen. I couldn’t believe my ears. The old saying was true; there really is nothing new under the sun. I must admit I was a tad disappointed but that didn’t stop me from defending my favs and whenever we would have “discussions” about music I would be sure to remind him that we are the ones still breathing life into their souls.

Fast forward to our new school and I’d be lying if I haven’t questioned some of these artistes who are getting signed by major record labels. Granted they aren’t enjoying 99% of the artistes as far back as 2004 were getting, reality is, a big corporation has them on their radar and they are willing to invest in their talent. 69, Lil Yaughty, Designer, are just a few of the names that have had me scratch my head and say ok then (now that doesn’t mean Panda and Gumo don’t play in my car eh).

I have come to appreciate that everything has its time and season. Also one must appreciate that what makes you happy won’t make the other person smile. If you don’t understand it or you can’t make sense of it, then maybe it just isn’t for you and you should keep moving. Chastising individuals for their personal preference is nonsensical and as a good friend of mine would say, “That’s just poor.”

But here is the funniest thing that I realized only a few days ago, the same people who are now chastising you for listening to let’s say mumble rap, were the same ones fighting their elders as they defended the likes of Bone Thugs N Harmony, Biz Markie, Jay Z, Missy Elliot, DMX and the list goes on.

Sometimes ya’ll, I know it’s hard not argue but as Will Smith said in his Grammy award winning hit, “there really is no need to argue, parents just don’t understand”.